Cristiano Ronaldo has been named Best European Sportsperson of 2017, winning the title for the second year running.

The Portugal and Real Madrid star beat out stiff competition from the likes of Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and tennis superstars Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer to claim the title, which was awarded by the Polish Press Agency earlier today.

With 26 news organisations from across the continent casting their votes in the poll, the awards have come to be an internationally recognised fixture of the end-of-year festivities in world sport. According to Los Blancos’ official website, the 32-year-old received 159 points in the ballot, placing him comfortably ahead of Hamilton (143), Federer (124) and Nadal (113).

It’s been yet another remarkable year for Ronaldo, who played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s La Liga, Champions League and Club World Cup successes, as well as lifting the prestigious Ballon d’Or for an astonishing and record-equalling fifth time.

Can Ronaldo make 2018 his best ever year?

In the 2016-17 season, the star managed 42 goals in 46 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions. He’s got his work cut out to replicate that success in the current term, however, with Los Blancos languishing in fourth place in the La Liga standings; 14 points behind runaway leaders Barcelona. To his credit, Ronaldo has scored nine times in just six European appearances – but has managed to find the net only four times in 12 league starts.

Being recognised as Best European Sportsperson for the second consecutive year should ensure that the Portugal international enters 2018 with even more determination to succeed on both an individual basis, and for Madrid. And, with the World Cup looming in Russia next summer, Ronaldo will once again have the opportunity to prove that his plaudits are justified on the world stage.